Mountain biker’s paradise opens in Lapland

A popular holiday destination in Lapland Ylläs has opened one of the most extensive mountain bike trail networks in the world. As the Finnish forest service opens the Pallas-Yllästunturi national park routes for mountain bikers, the already great 150 km long trail network extends with new 300 km worth of trails. All the different areas connected to the newly opened national park trail system counted together, the total length of the network is a staggering 900 km.

“This is an amazing opportunity for us,’’ says Janne-Juhani Haarma from Visit Ylläs‘’We are already very popular among winter travelers, but the new mountain bike trail network brings a much-needed boost to the summer season,” Haarma continues.

Ylläs is a perfect gateway to the most popular national park in Finland, the Pallas-Yllästunturi national park. The destination offers excellent services year-round and provides easy access to the trails of the national park. The existing mountain bike trail network works as a perfect starting point for these new trails.

“The new trail network offers tremendous possibilities for Ylläs, but a there is much to do before we can actively encourage the less-experienced mountain bikers to these trails. New trail network is being mapped, signed and prepared as we speak and new routes will be opened as the continues,” says Hanna Ylipiessa from Ylläs Travel Association.

Cycling in general is becoming a year-round travel trend. In addition to the summer trails, Ylläs also offers an extensive winter bike trail network with over 90 km of groomed and regularly maintained trails. Most of these trails are suitable for all cyclists and families. ‘’Fat bikes’’ with very wide tires offer an excellent way to enjoy the national park and to reach the unique wilderness cafes that previously have only been accessible by cross country skis.

“Especially for our international clients fat bikes with the wide tires offer a great opportunity to get to experience the beauty and the silence of the last wilderness of Europe that is the Pallas-Yllästunturi national park. The wilderness cafes are unique and exotic places to visit, which I would recommend for everyone coming to Lapland to see,” Haarma sums up.

Ylläs is a premiere destination in Finnish Lapland 170 km north of the Arctic Circle. Ylläs has the largest ski resort in Finland as well as one of the most extensive cross-country skiing networks in the world, and is now becoming the top destination for mountain bikers as well. With seven fells surrounding two authentic Lappish villages, Ylläs truly is a natures lovers’ dream destination.